Determining a surface characteristic of a roadway using an imaging device

ABSTRACT

A method for determining a characteristic of a construction material is provided. The method includes imaging the construction material and determining a characteristic of the construction material based off of the imaging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/269,160 filed on May 4, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/478,068 filed on May 22, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.9,587,938 issued on Mar. 7, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/493,924 filed on Jun. 6, 2011, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to an apparatus and methodfor determining at least one dimension of a construction material.Particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to anapparatus and method for determining at least one dimension of aconstruction material sample.

BACKGROUND

The construction industry relies on materials testing for design,quality control and quality assurance of various construction projects.Material density and specific gravity are among some of the criticalparameters of materials testing. The pavement construction industry, inparticular, uses material density and specific gravity in the design andquality determinations of natural and manufactured paving materials.

In the asphalt paving industry, air void contents of soils, hot-mixasphalt laboratory prepared specimens or cored pavement specimens areused, for example, to determine the quality of the mix design, theplant-produced hot-mix, sub-base preparation and in general, thepavement construction. The air void content of compacted specimens isdetermined, in some instances, as a ratio of the actual specific gravityof the compacted specimen (bulk specific gravity) to the theoreticalmaximum specific gravity of the loose asphalt mixture.

The determination of the maximum specific gravity or density of theloose asphalt mixtures may have some limitations that affect theaccuracy of the air void content measurement. Furthermore, methods ofdetermining bulk specific gravity are highly operator dependent andtherefore may yield highly variable results, also affecting the air voidcontent determination. Currently, there are three generally acceptedpractices or methods of determining the bulk specific gravities ofcompacted asphalt specimens. These methods are (1) gamma attenuation;(2) applications of Archimedes' principle; and (3) dimensional analysis.

Gamma attenuation technology can be used to provide bulk density of acompacted asphalt specimen by measuring its electron density asdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,641 to Dep et al. Theelectron density is determined by the intensity and energy distributionof gamma radiation traversing the sample. The gamma radiation istypically emitted from low-level radiation cesium sources and detectedby a sensitive sodium iodide detector. The resulting measurement of theelectron density must then be normalized by the height (or thickness) ofthe specimen. However, while the electron density determination isgenerally precise and reliable, the gamma attenuation method may belimited by the ability of the operator to measure the height of thespecimen with accuracy and precision.

ASTM D3549 is a standard test method for thickness or heightdetermination of compacted bituminous paving mixture specimens. Thestandard specifies that an average of four measurements, spaced apart at90 degree intervals, should be used to approximate the height of thespecimen. It further suggests that ends of the specimen that are nothorizontal relative to the vertical axis of the cylinder shall be sawnflat and horizontal. However, there are several problems associated withthis method. For example, in some cases, the operator may not ensurethat the ends of the specimen are flat and horizontal, therebyintroducing error into the height measurement because the end-to-end (orpeak-to-peak) caliper measurements will not be reliable heightmeasurements of the specimen. In such instances, the root-mean-squareheight may be a more accurate measure of the specimen height for densitydeterminations. Another source of error in such a height measurement isthat four measurements with the calipers may not provide enough datapoints to property represent the true sample height, especially if thespecimen is not a true right cylinder and/or if the ends thereof areirregular or sloped. Even if the operator uses extreme care anddiligence in measuring the specimen height with the calipers, thecalipers are not necessarily capable of properly measuring the irregularor uneven surfaces. Optical methods can also be used to automaticallyobtain height measurements, and conversely, ultrasonic or sound wavesoperated in a reflection mode could obtain average distances to thesurface of a cylinder with respect to a reference position or plane.

One widely used method of determining the bulk specific gravity of anasphalt mix specimen is by determining the mass to volume ratio of thespecimen. Mass determinations are generally highly reliable through theuse of state of the art balances and scales that are readily availablein the marketplace. The volume measurement, however, is typically farless reliable than the mass determination. Several different methods ofvolume measurement incorporate the Archimedes' principal of waterdisplacement. Another method of obtaining a volume measurement utilizesa dimensional analysis approach with calipers or micrometers.

The Archimedes' principal approximates the volume of a solid bydetermining the volume of water displaced by the solid when the solid issubmerged in an adequately sized water bath. Generally, the ratio of themass of water displaced to the specific gravity of the water is theresulting volume of the solid. However, in some instances, thedetermined volume may be adversely affected by water seeping intointerconnected voids within the solid. In addition, the density of wateris not constant and may be affected by temperature, impurities, or evenan inconsistent water source. Consequently, the true volume of the solidmay be an illusory quantity affecting the accuracy of the determinedspecific gravity and density of the solid, as well as the amount ofwater that is able to seep into the solid. However, another issue withthe water displacement method is that submerging the sample in water isa destructive process. Though the sample may be dried after immersion,even very careful drying procedures do not typically provide repeatablespecific gravity determination results for that sample in subsequenttests. The damage thus done to the specimen generally prohibits the usethereof in other material testing procedures. In many instances, thewater becomes contained and trapped in the core volume and renders thecore unusable for future quality testing.

Several AASHTO or ASTM standards utilize this water displacementprincipal in the determination of bulk specific gravity of compactedasphalt mixtures. However, basically all of these methodologies includeinherent sources of error, typically depending on the conditions underwhich the procedures are performed. The saturated surface dry (SSD)method (AASHTO T166/ASTM D2726) tends to underestimate the volume of thespecimen, thereby overestimating its bulk specific gravity or density.In order to overcome the limitations associated with the SSD method,techniques have been introduced that require coating the specimen withparaffin or parafilm (AASHTO T275/ASTM D1188), or vacuum sealing thespecimen inside a plastic or poly-material bag(s) (ASTM D6752) asdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,589 to Regimand. However,these methods may overestimate the specimen volume by bridging thesurface voids of the specimen, thus providing a resulting bulk specificgravity that is often lower than the true value of bulk specific gravityfor that specimen. In addition, such methods may also require correctionfor the mass and volume of the coating or vacuum sealing bag, which mayalso introduce errors into the calculations.

The dimensional analysis method for determining the bulk specificgravity of the specimen approximates the volume by physically measuringthe height and diameter dimensions of the specimen with calipers ormicrometers. The specific gravity determined by the dimensional analysismethod, however, is typically lower than the specific gravity determinedby the water displacement method since dimensional analysis usingcalipers or a micrometer does not consider surface voids or otherirregular surface features of the specimen. The asphalt or concretelater is established on top of a soil base or sub base aggregatemixture. The base of the road bed also has density and moisture demandsnecessary for a successful top layer.

Another characteristic that may be important in the construction androad paving industry is the in-place density of a compacted soil orsub-base material. These “field density” measurements are sometimesfound using nuclear testing equipment as described in ASTM 2992.Alternatively before high quality instruments were used for measuringfield density, it was useful to determine the volume of the void or a“hole” defined in a construction material after removal of the soil fortesting. By weighing the removed soil and calculating the volume of thevoid, the density of the soil in the field could then be calculated asmeasured.

In the past, sand cone and rubber balloon methods have been employed tomeasure the in-place density of compacted material. The sand cone method(ASTM D1556) involves pouring a dry sand of a known density or specificgravity into an excavated hole. The weight of the sand poured into thehole is then obtained and the volume could then be calculated since thedensity of the sand was known. The sand cone method is disadvantageousthough because the test takes time to complete and the test cannot beperformed in soils where water seepage occurs in the hole. Furthermore,the packing density of the sand as it is poured into the excavated holecan be variable due to vibrations, moisture content, and othervariables, including potentially hundreds of pounds of sand that must becalibrated in the lab and hauled around to the testing sites.

The rubber balloon method (ASTM D2167) involves placing a water deviceincluding a balloon on the opening of the hole and then filling theballoon with water, at a predetermined pressure, until the hole isfilled with the water balloon, while simultaneously watching andrecording the graticule on the water column. The volume of water in theballoon is determined and equals the volume of the hole. This test isundesirable because the rubber balloon method may deform the excavatedhole because of the pressure placed on the balloon, thus causinginaccuracies in the measured volume. Additionally, the balloon may notfill an irregularly shaped hole, and may not be appropriate as roughersoil surfaces typically puncture the balloon, causing the technician todo a field repair and find a new location to excavate.

In light of these limitations in being able to reliably determine thespecimen height or other dimensions using existing technologies, thereexists a need for a more reliable method for providing accuratedimensional values for a specimen. A method and/or apparatus is alsoneeded that reduces the effect of operator judgment in determiningspecimen height or other dimensions so that single-laboratory and/ormulti-laboratory variations do not affect the evaluations of the asphaltmix specimens. In addition, such an apparatus and/or method should becapable of nondestructively evaluating the specimen. A method and/orapparatus is also needed to easily, accurately, and time efficientlydetermine the volume of an excavated hole.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by the subject matter disclosed hereinwhich, in one embodiment, provides an apparatus for interacting with acylindrically-shaped construction material sample. The sample is of thetype defining a longitudinal axis that extends from a central point ofan end of the construction material sample. The apparatus includes atranslation mechanism configured for rotating the construction materialsample about the longitudinal axis and at least one material-interactingdevice spaced-apart from the translation mechanism and configured forinteracting with the construction material sample.

According to one or more embodiments, the translation mechanism is atleast one roller wheel positioned about the construction material sampleand configured for rotating the construction material sample.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one roller wheel isoperably coupled to a motor for providing rotational forces thereto.

According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes a housingthat carries the translation mechanism and the construction materialsample.

According to one or more embodiments, the housing is translatable from afirst position to at least a second position.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least onematerial-interacting device includes a plurality of material-interactingdevices spaced-apart from the translation mechanism.

According to one or more embodiments, the material-interacting device isconfigured for determining at least one measurement of the constructionmaterial sample.

According to one or more embodiments, the material-interacting device isconfigured to manipulate the at least one measurement to determine acharacteristic of the construction material sample.

According to one or more embodiments, the characteristic is one ofdensity, volume, and moisture content.

According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes one of alight point, a light line, or a wave front directed on a surface of theconstruction material sample for interacting therewith.

According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus is configured forusing one of sound, ultrasound, light, and radiation directed on theconstruction material sample for interacting therewith.

According to one or more embodiments, a method is provided. The methodincludes rotating a cylindrically-shaped construction sample materialalong a longitudinal axis of the material and interacting, using amaterial-interacting device, with the construction sample material todetermine at least one measurement thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, rotating the cylindrically-shapedconstruction sample material comprises using at least one roller wheelpositioned about the construction sample material for rotating theconstruction sample material.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes manipulating aplurality of the at least one measurements of the construction materialsample for determining a characteristic thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes projecting oneof a light point, a light line, or a wave front on a surface of theconstruction material sample for interacting therewith.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes using one ofsound, ultrasound, light, and radiation for interacting with theconstruction material sample.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least onematerial-interacting device further includes at least one sample-imagingdevice and the characteristic further comprises at least a partial imageof the void.

According to one or more embodiments, the characteristic is one ofheight, shape, texture, color, aggregate size, or combinations thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes manipulatingthe characteristics to create a histogram of the characteristics.

The proposed methods and apparatuses thus eliminate the need for adestructive or otherwise sample-impairing testing method such as, forexample, the Archimedes' water displacement methods. Whether an accurateheight determination for the gamma ray attenuation method or an accuratevolume determination for the dimensional analysis method is desired, thetechnology disclosed herein minimizes or eliminates the operatorjudgment and/or bias limitations previously discussed with respect toexisting methods.

In some instances, the test method and apparatus for determiningspecimen height, shape, color and/or volume can be applied to othergeneral construction and/or paving-related materials such as loose soilsand aggregates, portland cement, asphalt and concrete cylinders, andmany other applications.

The improvement in volume, shape, and/or height measurement accuracyand/or definition will, in turn, provide for more reliable density andspecific gravity determinations. Thus, a subsequent effect will beimproved design, quality control, and quality assurance of constructionand/or paving related materials. Further benefits may include, forexample, ultimately improved structures and a reduction in disputesbetween owner and contractor that result from the uncertainty of testresults. Thus, embodiments of the subject matter disclosed hereinprovide significant advantages as disclosed, described, and furtherdetailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter described herein will now be explained with referenceto the accompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematics of an apparatus for determining at leastone surface characteristic of a construction material sample,implementing a single sample-interacting device, according to oneembodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A is a schematic of an apparatus for determining at least onesurface characteristic of a construction material sample, implementing aplurality of sample-interacting devices, according to one embodiment ofthe subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2B is a schematic of a plurality of surface characteristics, in theform of images of the construction material sample, determined by theplurality of sample-interacting devices shown in FIG. 2A, and amulti-dimensional representation of the construction material sampleformed by combining the images, from which a volume of the constructionmaterial sample can be obtained, according to one embodiment of thesubject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematics of an apparatus for determining at leastone dimension of a construction material sample, implementing adimension-measuring device, according to one embodiment of the subjectmatter disclosed herein in which portion 340 may be optionally used inone or more embodiments;

FIG. 3C is a schematic of an apparatus similar to the apparatus depictedin FIGS. 3A and 3B in which the sample holder 340 is not depicted;

FIG. 4A is a schematic of an alternate sample holder for an apparatusfor determining at least one dimension of a construction materialsample, according to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosedherein, while in one or more embodiments, a flat surface that holds theaggregates, a single grid that the aggregates sit on, or multiple gridswhere the samples are held between two could be employed;

FIG. 4B is a schematic of an alternate sample holder for an apparatusfor determining at least one dimension of a construction material sampleholder similar to the sample holder depicted in FIG. 4A in which thesample holder is translating relative to an imaging device according toone embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. A directionalarrow is provided to signify moving of the sample holder, or,alternatively, movement of a conveyor line on which the constructionmaterial is resting;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus for determining a volume of aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein in which an imaging device is spaced-apart from aconstruction material;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus for determining a volume of aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein in which an imaging device is spaced-apart from a voidin a construction material;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an apparatus for determining a volume of aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein in which the imaging device has been translated towithin the void in the construction material;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an apparatus for determining a volume of aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein in which the imaging device has been translated towithin the void in the construction material and capturing images withinthe void;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a scale for determining the mass of aconstruction material. The scale may be provided in communication with acomputing device or similar for further manipulation of data;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus placed on a planar surfacefor determining a volume of an excavated void dug in a constructionmaterial according to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosedherein;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting a method disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting a method disclosed herein;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining the densityand/or moisture of a construction material;

FIG. 14 is a side view of an apparatus for determining a volume of aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein in which a single lens is illustrated in a structurecapable of consistently obtaining multiple angle Images. Alternatively,a standard multi-lens system may be incorporated;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an apparatus for carrying a constructionmaterial according to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosedherein;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus for interacting with aconstruction material according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a system and apparatus for determininga characteristic of a construction material; and

FIG. 19 is a histogram representing characteristics of a constructionmaterial according to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are shown. Indeed,the subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an apparatus adapted to determine at leastone surface characteristic of a construction and/or paving-relatedmaterial sample according to one embodiment of the subject matterdisclosed herein, the apparatus being indicated generally by the numeral100. Apparatus 100 includes at least one sample-interacting device 200and a sample holder 300 configured to be capable of supporting a sample400 of a paving-related material or other construction material. Notethat the term “paving-related material” as used herein refers to, forexample, uncompacted bituminous paving mixtures, soil bases andsub-bases, loose soils and aggregates, as well as field cores andlaboratory prepared specimens of compacted bituminous paving material,while the term “construction material” as used herein is more generaland includes, for example, paving-related materials, Portland cement,concrete cylinders, and the like. In situ field measurements refer toobtaining the characteristic of a pavement or soil material in the fieldusing destructive or non-destructive methods.

Sample-interacting device 200 may use, for example, a point source, aline source, or a wave source to provide, for instance, light, sound,ultrasound, radiation, physical contact, and/or other medium forallowing at least one surface characteristic of sample 400 to bedetermined. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such a device200 may be appropriately configured to use the light, sound, ultrasound,radiation (including, for example, microwave radiation or infraredradiation), physical contact and/or other medium to perform, forexample, a measurement of at least one surface characteristic, such as adimension, of sample 400 using, for instance, a reflectance methodology,a transmission methodology, a duration methodology, a contactmethodology, or any other suitable methodology, wherein device 200 mayinclude, for example, at least one corresponding and appropriateemitter/detector pair, or appropriate sensors, for measuring the atleast one surface characteristic. For instance, device 200 may beconfigured to use structured light, laser range finders, or x-rays fornon-contact-type measurements; linear variable differential transformers(LVDT) or other physical mechanisms for contact-type measurements; orany other suitable measuring technology such as range cameras, rangeimaging, confocal scanning, conoscopic holography or imaging, focalplane imaging, raster scans with lines or points. For example, anoptical methodology or a photographic methodology such as, for instance,stereo-vision techniques, may be used for performing 3D profiling.Various imaging devices such as scanners or cameras may also be suitablein this regard where the appropriate determination of a surfacecharacteristic(s), such as a dimension, may be accomplished byassociated software or image processing procedure executed on a computerdevice 600 associated with sample-interacting device(s) 200. In someinstances, device 200 may comprise, for example, a single ormulti-dimensional profiler device such as that made by, for instance,Shape Grabber, Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada or National OpticsInstitute of Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada, or INO of Canada. However, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that many other sample-interactingdevices may be implemented within the spirit and scope of the subjectmatter disclosed herein.

Sample holder 300 is configured to hold sample 400 with respect tosample-interacting device 200 so as to allow sample-interacting device200 to determine the appropriate surface characteristic(s) of sample400. Such a surface characteristic may include, for example, adimension, a texture, a roughness, or other identifiable surface aspectof sample 400, including identification and/or quantification of voids,irregularities, or other features of the sample surface. In certainsituations, sample-interacting device 200 may be configured such thatthe necessary or desired surface characteristic(s) of sample 400 can bedetermined with sample 400 held in one position by sample holder 300.However, in instances, where sample 400 has a complex three-dimensionalconfiguration, an appropriate determination or measurement may not bepossible with sample 400 in a single position with respect tosample-interacting device 200. Accordingly, in instances where a seconddetermination or measurement is necessary or desirable to produce anaccurate representation of, for example, the dimensional measurement(s)of sample 400, sample 400 may be moved from a first position to a secondposition with respect to sample holder 300 for the second measurement.However, significant inaccuracies may be introduced if sample 400 ismoved unless a common reference point with respect to sample 400 bywhich the two measurements must be coordinated is attained. Further, inother instances, sample 400 may be irregularly shaped or, in the case ofaggregates, soils, sands, or the like, configured such that it may beinconvenient or otherwise not practically possible to hold sample 400with respect to sample-interacting device 200, or move sample 400 toanother position, to allow the appropriate dimension(s) of sample 400 tobe measured.

Accordingly, one advantageous aspect of the subject matter disclosedherein in this regard is the implementation of a computer analysisdevice 600 capable of executing a software package for analyzing thesurface characteristic(s) of sample 400 determined by at least onesample-interacting device 200 in order to extract desired information,while overcoming some of the inaccuracies encountered in obtaining athree-dimensional representation of a sample. For example,engineering/modeling/reverse engineering software such as, for instance,ProEngineer, Matlab, Geomagic Studio, or other appropriate package beingexecuted by computer device 600, can be configured to receive the atleast one surface characteristic determined by sample-interacting device200. For instance, sample-interacting device 200 using a point source oflight may be configured to detect the behavior of the light interactingwith sample 400, wherein the detected light may be indicative ofcoordinates or distances of each of the measured points on sample 400with respect to sample-interacting device 200. Accordingly, an increasednumber of measurements of sample 400 with such a point source, and theproximity of subsequent measurements to previous measurements maydirectly affect the resolution of the representation of sample 400obtained from that process. That is, a dense “point cloud” may provide asignificantly higher resolution of the surface characteristic(s) ofsample 400 as compared to very few point measurements distributed acrossthe surface of sample 400. However, the resolution necessary to obtainappropriate and valid results of the at least one surface characteristicof sample 400 is not limited hereby in any manner and one skilled in artwill appreciate that such resolution is a matter of choice associatedwith the desired result to be achieved. Sample-interacting device 200may be configured to interact with one surface, multiple surfaces, orall surfaces of a sample.

FIGS. 1A and 1B further illustrate sample 400 being moved with respectto sample-interacting device 200 about a vertical axis defined by sampleholder 300, wherein such movement may be accomplished manually (by theoperator physically rotating the sample 400 on the sample holder 300) orin an automated manner such as by a motorized or mechanized systemassociated with and for rotating sample holder 300 so as to rotatesample 400. The rotation for example could be accomplished by resting acylindrical sample on a rolling mechanism, while spinning and rotatingthe sample with respect to the surface measuring device. In otherinstances, sample 400 may be stationary and sample-interacting device200 moved around sample 400. In still other instances, as shown in FIG.2A, a plurality of sample-interacting devices 200 may be implementedsuch that moving either sample 400 or sample-interacting device(s) 200may not be necessary in order to determine or capture the desiredsurface characteristic(s) of sample 400. One skilled in the art willalso appreciate that, in some instances, that a sample holder 300 maynot be a positive aspect of apparatus 100. That is, in some instances,sample 400 may be, for example, supported by at least onesample-interacting device 200, whereby at least one sample-interactingdevice 200 is configured to determine the desired surfacecharacteristic(s) of sample 400 while providing support therefor. Inother instances, sample-interacting device(s) 200 may be configured toact upon a sample 400 in situ and, as such, does not require a sampleholder 300 for supporting sample 400. More particularly, for example,ASTM E 965 is a standard for determining the surface texture of aroadway and involves spreading a calibrated sand on the roadway and thenspreading that sand out across the roadway until a dispersed conditionis met. The diameter of the sand patch is then measured, whereby thearea of the sand patch and the known density of the calibrated sand maybe used to determine the surface roughness of the roadway. This istypically the same type of sand used in ASTM D 1556. According toembodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein may be used todetermine surface roughness by implementing a sample-interacting device200 configured to be moved relative to the roadway so as to interactwith sample 400 in situ, thereby obviating the need for a sample holder300 per se. The surface characteristic(s) determined bysample-interacting device 200 would then be transferred to computerdevice 600 to determine the nature of the surface characteristic(s) andif desirable, at least one dimension of sample 400 (in this instance,the distance between sample-interacting device 200 and sample 400 can beindicative of the texture of the surface of sample 400 and thus anaverage separation distance can be determined, wherein the averageseparation distance may be related over an area to, for example, thevolume of a void or an area characteristic of the roadway in thatvicinity). As illustrated in FIG. 2B, multiple images may be stitchedtogether to form one complete image of sample 400.

In one or more alternate embodiments of the subject matter disclosedherein, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 15, and 16, sample holder 300 may beconfigured with a first portion 320 and a second portion 340, whereinfirst and second portions 320, 340 are configured to cooperate to holdor merely support sample 400 such that appropriate dimension or othermeasurement(s) can be determined by a dimension-measuring device (as oneform of a sample-interacting device 200). That is, in one embodiment,first portion 320 may be disposed at a selected position with respect tosample-interacting device 200. Second portion 340 may then optionallyengage sample 400 before second portion 340 is interfaced with firstportion 320 in an appropriate manner. For example, first portion 320 maydefine a keyway (not shown) configured to receive a key (not shown)protruding from second portion 340 such that, when interfaced, the firstand second portions 320, 340 will hold sample 400 in a known positionwith respect to sample-interacting device 200. In any instance, firstand second portions 320, 340 are configured so as to define a coordinatesystem with respect to sample-interacting device 200. That is, whensecond portion 340 is interfaced with first portion 320, sample 400 islocated within a coordinate system recognized by sample-interactingdevice 200. In other instances, first and second portions 320,340 may beused by an appropriate software analysis package being executed by acomputer device 600, as previously described, to define a coordinatesystem for analyzing sample 400. First and second portions may rotate onseveral axes with respect to the interacting device 200.

In one example, if sample 400 comprises a generally cylindricalcompacted field core, the second portion 340 of sample holder 300 may beconfigured as any appropriately shaped or designed element about thecircumference of sample 400. Accordingly, first portion 320 of sampleholder 300 may be configured to receive second portion 340 such that theaxis of sample 400 is generally horizontal. In such a configuration,second portion 340 may be rotated with respect to first portion 320between measurements by sample-interacting device 200 such that thesample 400 is caused to rotate about its axis. In other instances, forexample, where sample 400 comprises an aggregate, sample holder 300 maybe configured as, for instance, one or more screens or trays 380 forsupporting the aggregate (for example, two opposing screens 380 havingthe aggregate retained therebetween, or one surface can support theaggregate for imaging) with respect to sample-interacting device 200 soas to allow the appropriate dimensions or other surface characteristicsof the components of the aggregate to be measured as shown, for example,in FIG. 4. As such, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatembodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein may be useful todetermine the dimensions or other surface characteristics of manydifferent configurations of samples 400 and thus may be used for suchpurposes as, for example, determining the volume of a cylindricalcompacted field core, modeling the roughness or texture of a surface,obtaining the volume of an excavated void, or gradating components of anasphalt paving mix or aggregate such as size, shape, color, or otherconfigurations.

Once a first measurement of sample 400 in a first position is performedby sample-interacting device 200, sample 400 can then be moved to asecond position to allow a second measurement of sample 400 to beperformed, where such measurements may be associated with, for example,a dimension of sample 400. In such a manner, a more accuratedetermination of the appropriate surface characteristic(s) of sample 400can be made so as to enable, for example, the volume of sample 400 to bemore closely and accurately determined. Accordingly, in one embodimentas shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first and second portions 320, 340 ofsample holder 300 define a vertical axis 360 and first and secondportions 320, 340 are configured so as to be able to rotate about axis360 between measurements by sample-interacting device 200. FIGS. 3A and3B further show sample 400 rotating around axis 360. For example, firstand second portions 320, 340 may be configured to rotate in 90-degreeincrements or 180-degree increments (or any suitable degree increment oreven in a continuous sweep) between measurements by sample-interactingdevice 200, while maintaining sample 400 within the establishedcoordinate system. That is, first and second portions 320, 340 may beconfigured such that, for instance, a reference point is maintained onfirst portion 320, second portion 340, and/or sample 400 as sample 400is rotated about axis 360. Thus, subsequent analysis of the resultingdata can use the common reference point in order to reconcile themeasured surface characteristic(s) from the particular view of eachmeasurement. Further, multiple measurements of sample 400 from multipleviews will also provide redundant data useful for verifying accuracy ofthe determined surface characteristic(s) of sample 400, therebyproviding another significant advantage of embodiments of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. In some instances, sample-interacting device(s)200 may be used to perform repeated measurements of sample 400 such thatan average of those measurements is used in subsequent analyses of thedata. The use of such averages may, in some instances, provide a moreaccurate representation of the surface characteristic of sample 400 ascompared to a single measurement.

In light of the relationship of sample-interacting device 200 to sample400, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B, other embodiments of thesubject matter disclosed herein may be configured such that first andsecond portions 320, 340 hold sample 400 stationary, whilesample-interacting device 200 is configured to move about sample 400 soas to perform the appropriate measurements. In still other instances,both sample-interacting device 200 and sample holder 300 may be movablewith respect to each other, or mirrors may be used to enablesample-interacting device 200 to interact with sample 400. Further,other embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein may have sampleholder 300 configured such that second portion 340 is movable withrespect to first portion 320 where, for example, first portion 320 maybe stationarily disposed with respect to sample-interacting device 200.For a sample holder 300 configured in such a manner, second portion 340holding sample 400 may be movable in many different manners with respectto first portion 320, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.In any instance, such embodiments of apparatus 100 are configured suchthat sample 400 is maintained in registration with the coordinate systemthrough any movement of sample-interacting device 200 and/or firstand/or second portions 320, 340 of sample holder 300. Alternatively,apparatus 100 may be provided without second portion 340 as illustratedin FIG. 3C.

In any case, multiple views and/or measurements or other determinationsof the surface characteristic(s) of sample 400 may result in a pluralityof representations of sample 400 from different perspectives, whereinthe views and/or measurements must then be combined in order to providecoherent and useful results. Where sample 400 and/or sample-interactingdevice 200 must be moved, or multiple perspectives of sample 400 areobtained, in order to provide three-dimensional surface characteristicsof sample 400, the software executed by computer device 600, incooperation with sample-interacting device 200, may be configured todetermine a coordinate system or other frame of reference for thevarious measurements or determinations of the surface characteristic(s)of sample 400 performed by sample-interacting device 200. For example,the frame of reference may be designated, for example, at leastpartially according to sample holder 300 or according to a surfaceaspect or feature of sample 400, such as a void or other irregularity.In other instances, the frame of reference may be artificial, such as amark or other removable (or inconsequential) surface feature added tosample 400 prior to exposure to sample-interacting device 200. As such,once a sufficient number of source-associated measurements have beenexecuted, the various perspectives 650 of sample 400 obtained bysample-interacting device(s) 200, as shown in FIG. 2B (where FIG. 2Billustrates the plurality of perspectives of the sample 400 captured bythe corresponding plurality of sample-interacting devices 200 shown inFIG. 2A), can be combined or “stitched together” according to thecoordinate system or other frame of reference into a singlethree-dimensional representation or model 700 of sample 400.

FIG. 4B is a schematic of an alternate sample holder 300 for anapparatus for determining at least one dimension of a constructionmaterial sample holder similar to the sample holder depicted in FIG. 4Ain which the sample holder 300 is translating relative to an imagingdevice according to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosedherein. A directional arrow is provided to signify moving of the sampleholder 300, such as, for example, movement of a conveyor line on whichthe construction material is resting. Accordingly, imaging device 200can be proximal to sample holder 300, in this illustrative example, aconveyor line, and interact with the sample to determine characteristicsthereof, including height, aggregate size, density, color, shape,texture, or other desired properties and characteristics.

One skilled in the art will thus appreciate that apparatus 100 may beconfigured in many different manners in addition to that describedherein. For example, apparatus 100 may include multiplesample-interacting or dimension-measuring devices 200, each disposed toprovide different perspectives of the sample 400, or one or moresample-interacting devices 200 may each include multiple sources and/ordetectors. In addition, various other mechanisms, such as mirrors, couldbe implemented to facilitate the determination of the desired surfacecharacteristic(s) of sample 400. Thus, the embodiments disclosed hereinare provided for example only and are not intended to be limiting,restrictive, or inclusive with respect to the range of contemplatedconfigurations of the subject matter disclosed herein.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the subject matterdisclosed herein, apparatus 100 may also be configured such thatsample-interacting device 200 and/or computer device 600 is capable ofdetermining the volume of sample 400. One value often associated withthe determination of the volume of sample 400 is the density thereof. Aspreviously described, the general procedures heretofore implemented byrecognized standards in the construction industry are often, forinstance, cumbersome, inaccurate, or destructive to sample 400. As such,in some instances, embodiments of the subject matter disclosed hereinmay also include a mass-determining device 500 operably engaged withsample holder 300 such that, as the volume of the sample 400 is beingdetermined by the sample-interacting device 200, mass of the sample 400can also be determined concurrently. The density of sample 400 canthereby be expeditiously determined with minimal handling of the sample400. Such a mass-determining device 500 may comprise, for example, aload cell or other suitable device as will be appreciated by one skilledin the art. In still other instances, it may also be advantageous forthe determination of the volume and/or the density of sample 400 by theapparatus 100 to be at least partially automated so as to reduce thesubjectivity of handling by an operator. Accordingly, in such instances,apparatus 100 may also include a computer device 600 operably engagedwith the sample-interacting device 200, mass-determining device 500,and/or sample holder 300. Such a computer device 600 may be configuredto, for instance, verify that sample 400 is properly placed with respectto sample holder 300 and/or the sample-interacting device 200,coordinate the movement of sample 400 with the measurements performed bysample-interacting device 200, determine the mass of sample 400 frommass-determining device 500, and compute the density of sample 400 allin one automated procedure. Computer device 600 may also be configuredto perform other procedures on the collected sample data that may be offurther interest. For example, computer device 600 may be configured tocompute the volume of sample 400 from a complex integration of athree-dimensional surface image of the sample 400 and/or may beconfigured to determine an actual volume of the sample 400 bydetermining the effect of surface voids or roughness in sample 400 alongwith boundary locations and dimensions. Computer device 600 may alsovary in complexity depending on the computational requirements ofapparatus 100. For example, an image-intensive apparatus 100 using aplurality of sample-interacting devices 200 may require a significantcapacity and an image-capable computer device 600, while a less complexdimension-determining may require less computational capacity and, inlight of such requirements, an appropriate computer device 600 isprovided. Thus, one skilled in the art will appreciate that embodimentsof the apparatus 100 may be used for many other forms of sample analysisin addition to those discussed herein.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter disclosedherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subjectmatter disclosed herein pertains having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Forexample, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus andmethod as disclosed and described herein, in addition to providing analternative to the density determination methodology outlined in theapplicable density standards, may also be implemented within themethodology of other higher-level standards that call, for instance, forthe determination of sample density using those density standards, orfor the determination of sample dimensions such as, for example, ahistogram of aggregate sizes. For example, several AASHTO/ASTM standardsare directed to aggregate gradation and may specify the determination ofan aggregate size histogram, wherein the apparatus and method asdisclosed and described herein may be implemented to make thatdetermination. Such standards include, for instance:

AASHTO T 27 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates; AASHTO T 30Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate;

AASHTO MP 2 Standard Specification for SUPERPAVE Volumetric Mix Design;

AASHTO T 312 Method for Preparing and Determining the Density or HMASpecimens by Means of the SHRP Gyratory Compactor;

ASTM C 136 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates;

ASTM D 5444 Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of ExtractedAggregate;

ASTM D 3398 Test Method for Index of Aggregate Particle Shape andTexture;

ASTM D 2940 Specification for Graded Aggregate Material For Bases orSubbases for Highways or Airports;

ASTM D 448 Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and BridgeConstruction; and

ASTM D 1139 Standard Specification for Aggregate for Single and MultipleBituminous Surface Treatments.

Note that such a list is merely exemplary of some standards foraggregates in which aggregate gradation may be specified, and is notintended to be limiting, restrictive, or inclusive with respect to suchhigher-level standards which may specify a dimension, volume, density,and/or other sample property determination that may be accomplishedusing the apparatus and method as disclosed and described herein.Accordingly, additional embodiments of the subject matter disclosedherein may be directed to such higher level methods implementing theapparatus and method as disclosed herein. Further, other additionalembodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein may, for example, beused to determine the texture of a sample. Some examples of ASTMstandards requiring an examination of the sample texture, wherein theapparatus and method as disclosed and described herein may also beimplemented to make that determination, include:

ASTM E 965 Standard Test Method for Measuring Pavement Macro TextureDepth Using a Volumetric Technique;

ASTM E 1274 Standard Test Method for Measuring Pavement Roughness Usinga Profilograph; and

ASTM E 2157 Standard Test Method for Measuring Pavement Macro TextureProperties Using the Circular Track Method.

Additionally, the following ASTM standards may be employed with the useof the disclosed subject matter contained herein:

ASTM D6432—99(2005) Standard Guide for Using the Surface GroundPenetrating Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation;

ASTM D6431—99(2010) Standard Guide for Using the Direct CurrentResistivity Method for Subsurface Investigation;

ASTM D6565—00(2005) Standard Test Method for Determination of Water(Moisture) Content of Soil by the Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)Method;

ASTM D6639—01(2008) Standard Guide for Using the Frequency DomainElectromagnetic Method for Subsurface Investigations;

ASTM D6780—05 Standard Test Method for Water Content and Density of Soilin Place by Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR);

ASTM D6820—02(2007) Standard Guide for Use of the Time DomainElectromagnetic Method for Subsurface Investigation;

Historical Standard: ASTM D2216-98 Standard Test Method for LaboratoryDetermination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass;

ASTM D4643—08 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating;

ASTM D4944—04 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water(Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester;

ASTM D4959—07 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)Content of Soil By Direct Heating;

ASTM D5030—04 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Placeby the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit;

ASTM D5080—08 Standard Test Method for Rapid Determination of PercentCompaction;

ASTM D2167—08 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soilin Place by the Rubber Balloon Method;

ASTM D2974—07a Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and OrganicMatter of Peat and Other Organic Soils;

ASTM D4254—00(2006)e1 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Densityand Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density;

ASTM D6938—10 Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and WaterContent of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth);

ASTM D425—88(2008) Standard Test Method for Centrifuge MoistureEquivalent of Soils;

ASTM D6642—01(2006) Standard Guide for Comparison of Techniques toQuantify the Soil-Water (Moisture) Flux;

ASTM D558—11 Standard Test Methods for Moisture-Density (Unit Weight)Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures;

ASTM D 1556—Test Method for Density of Soil in Place of the Sand-ConeMethod;

ASTM C127-04 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density(Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate;

ASTM D4791—10 Standard Test Method for Flat Particles, ElongatedParticles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate;

ASTM C29/C29M-09 Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (Unit Weight) andVoids in Aggregate;

ASTM D2940/D2940M-09 Standard Specification for Graded AggregateMaterial For Bases or Subbases for Highways or Airports;

ASTM D3398—00(2006) Standard Test Method for Index of Aggregate ParticleShape and Texture;

ASTM D448—08 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road andBridge Construction;

ASTM C70—06 Standard Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate;

ASTM D1241—07 Standard Specification for Materials for Soil AggregateSubbase, Base, and Surface Courses;

ASTM D692/D692M-09 Standard Specification for Coarse Aggregate forBituminous Paving Mixtures;

ASTM D3282—09 Standard Practice for Classification of Soils and SoilAggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes;

ASTM C925—09 Standard Guide for Precision Electroformed Wet SieveAnalysis of Nonplastic Ceramic Powders; and

ASTM D6913—04(2009) Standard Test Methods for Particle Size Distribution(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis.

An alternate embodiment of an apparatus for measuring a characteristicof a construction material is depicted in FIGS. 5 through 8 in which anapparatus 810 is provided. The apparatus 810 generally defines amaterial-interacting device 812, which may have many of the samecharacteristics and capabilities of material-interacting devicesdescribed throughout this disclosure. The material-interacting device812 may be carried by a frame 816 that may extend from a template 814.The template 814 and frame 816 cooperate to carry thematerial-interacting device 812 and may be configured for translatingthe material-interacting device 812 in any desired direction through theuse of a geared linkage, motor, step motor, optical, or any otherdesired translation method. This translation may be provided, forexample, for positioning the material-interacting device 812 in acertain proximity or position relative to a material to be interactedwith. In other embodiments, this translation may be provided, forexample, for positioning the material-interacting device 812 among aplurality of positions in order to interact with the material amongmultiple positions. Alternatively, a system may be provided in which aplurality of translatable mirror assemblies are provided for capturingmultiple images and interactions with the material-interacting devicesdisclosed herein.

The template 814 may be provided for being positioned against a surface824 of a construction material 820. In this manner, the template 812 mayprovide leveling characteristics and positioning characteristics suchthat the material-interacting device 812 is in a desired position ororientation. A void 822 may be formed in the construction material 820by, for example, excavating the construction material 820 to form thevoid 822. The void 822 may include surface 826. The void 822 may be anexcavated hole in which a construction material sample has beenexcavated to determine the density or other desired characteristicsthereof.

The material-interacting device 812 is further configured to determine acharacteristic of the void 822, while, in one or more embodiments, thematerial-interacting device 812 may be in communication with an externaldevice such as a computer device that is configured to determine acharacteristic of the void. This characteristic may include anycharacteristic as described herein, and, in one or more embodiments, mayinclude the volume of the excavated void 822, the depth, width, color,surface area, texture, and/or moisture content, and combinationsthereof. The material-interacting device 812 may be configured for beingreceived within the void 822 such as depicted in FIG. 7, and may also beconfigured for being rotationally received within the void 822 asdepicted in FIG. 8. However, the material interactive device 812 is notrequired to be placed within the void 822 to calculate a characteristicthereof, and may be placed outside of the void 822. In one or moreembodiments, the material-interacting device 812 may be configured forhorizontal, vertical, or rotational movement within the void 822. Othermethods may incorporate a plurality of laser sources, reflectivesurfaces, and optical scanners to scan the void while minimizing thenumber of sources, detectors and carriage movement.

In one or more embodiments, the material-interacting device 812 may befurther configured to interact with other optical devices such asmirrors, detectors, couplers, splitters, polarizers, modulators,photo-emitters, photo-detectors, fibers, waveguides, and lights in orderto interact with the material. Additionally, the material-interactingdevice 812 may include multiple sensors or multiple optical devicesoperating at multiple wavelengths. The material-interacting device 812may also employ one or more stereo vision techniques, includingcapturing multiple images from respective different angles relative tothe construction material 820.

The material-interacting device 812 may be configured for determining avolume of the void 822 formed in the construction material 820. The void822 is formed by excavating material from the construction material 820,which may be, in one embodiment, soil removed from a road bed or otherground surface. In one method, a template is anchored or fastened to theground, which offers a guide for excavating the construction material,and allows quick attachment and release of the optical profiler formeasuring the hole. The excavated material is depicted in FIG. 9 andrepresented as 830. The excavated material 830 may be provided on themass determining device 600, which may then determine the mass of theexcavated material 830. Once the mass is obtained by the massdetermining device 600, which may be in communication with thematerial-interacting device, and the volume is obtained by thematerial-interacting device 812, a density can be obtained. This densityrepresents the density of, in this illustrating example, the soilforming void 822 before being excavated from the ground.

Further testing and calculations can be performed on the excavatedmaterial 830 such as determining the “wet” density, and then determiningthe “dry” density after the excavated material 830 has been dried.Alternate methods of moisture measurement may be implemented such asinfrared (IR) measurements, capacitance, electromagnetic, or any otherASTM method provided herein.

The advantages associated with apparatus 810 are readily apparent. Forexample, apparatus 810 may be portable and can therefore perform in-situsite analysis. This is important for speed and practicality purposes.Conventional methods utilizing the sand cone and rubber balloon methodsrequired many measuring devices, were time consuming, and had limitedeffectiveness in measurement accuracy. Apparatus 810 is configured suchthat, operating alone, the volume of an excavated void can bedetermined.

An apparatus for determining a characteristic of a construction materialis depicted in FIG. 10 and is generally designated 910. The apparatus910 includes a material-interacting device 812 that is carried by aframe structure 816 that includes at least one translation device 840.Drive beams 840 may be provided with a threaded, notched, or similarconfiguration that receives mechanical input from a device such as amotor “M” for varying the position of the material-interacting device812. Template 814 carries each of the drive beams 840. A boom 860 mayextend from one of the drive beams for carrying a vertically orienteddrive beam. Template 814 is configured for being placed on theconstruction material 820. The material-interacting device 812 isconfigured for interacting with the construction material and furtherconfigured for interacting with the void 822 defined in the constructionmaterial. The material-interacting device 812 is further configured formovement in up to, for example, three dimensions within the void 822.Optical systems and components such as couplers, splitters, and dynamicor static mirrors may be substituted for direct mechanical positioningof the relationship between the interacting device and sample.

A method 1100 is depicted in the flow chart of FIG. 11. The method 1100may generally include interacting with a construction material todetermine a characteristic thereof, excavating material from theconstruction material to form a void, interacting with the void todetermine a characteristic thereof, and determining a respectivemeasurement of the void based upon the determined characteristics. Theinteraction may include, for example, forming a first image beforeexcavation, forming a second image after excavation, the second imagebeing that of the void, and determining a measurement of the void basedupon the determined images. This measurement may be, for example, thevolume of the void. Conversely, one image can be obtained of the voidfor calculating the void volume, though an image is not required.

A method 1200 is depicted in the flow chart of FIG. 12. The method 1200may generally include interacting with a construction material todetermine a characteristic thereof, excavating material from theconstruction material to form a void, interacting with the void todetermine a characteristic thereof, and determining the volume of thevoid based upon the desired characteristics. Further, the method 1200may include determining the weight (mass) of the excavated material, andthen determining the density of the construction material in-situ, as itwas before excavation. This density may be found, for example, bydividing the mass by the volume of the void.

Determining the density of the construction material may be accomplishedin any number of ways, including those depicted in the method 1300 ofFIG. 13. Determining the density or moisture content may includedetermining the wet density. Determining the density may also includedetermining a dry density using non-nuclear moisture determinationmethods. Determining the density may also include determining thedensity volumetrically. Determining the density may also includedetermining the density and moisture by gravimetrical methods.Determining the density may also include determining the dry densityusing methods by, for example, heating the soil to remove moisture.

An apparatus 910 is illustrated in FIG. 14. The apparatus 910 includesan imaging device 912 or material-interacting device 912 carried by aframe 916. The frame 916 is depicted as having an arcuate shape, but maytake on any appropriately configured shape. The frame 916 is configuredfor being positioned about a construction material surface, such as, forexample, a road surface. A void 922 or other deviation may be formed inthe surface. Imaging device 912 may be translatable from a firstposition (in which the imaging device 912 is shown in solid lines) to asecond position (in which the imaging device 912 is shown in brokenlines). The imaging device 912 may also have more than two positions.Alternatively, the frame 916 may carry multiple imaging device 912 suchthat translation of the imaging device 912 is not required to obtainmultiple images for use with, for example, stereographic imaging orother imaging methods described herein. The imaging device 912 isconfigured to determine one or more measurements to thereby determineone or more characteristics of void 922 or other suitable deviationsusing the one or more processes described herein. FIG. 14 shows an angleof separation between the respective imaging device 912 in the first andsecond positions of about 120 degrees, however any appropriate angle maybe incorporated for the image analysis.

An apparatus that may be used in accordance with embodiments describedherein is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and is generally designated 1010. Theapparatus 1010 may include at least one translation mechanism 1040,which may be a roller as illustrated or may be any other desiredmechanism capable of translating the construction material sample 300.The construction material sample 300 defines a longitudinal axis “LA”about which the construction material sample 300 is rotated by thetranslation mechanisms 1040. Each of the arrows are provided in theillustrations to depict the translation movement of the translationmechanism 1040 and the imparted movement of the construction materialsample 300 in response thereto. One or more additional translationmechanisms 1020 may also be provided for translating the constructionmaterial sample 300 in a yaw, pitch, roll, or similar orientation. Ahousing 1012 may be provided for receiving the construction materialsample 300 and housing the translation mechanisms 1040 as illustrated inFIG. 16.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a light source 1050 may be provided. Thelight source 1050 may be a light point, a light line, laser source,coherent light, or a wave front, or any other suitably configured devicefor interacting with the construction material sample 300. Amaterial-interacting device 1060 may be further provided. Thematerial-interacting device 1060 may be provided in a fixed-relationshiprelative to the construction material sample 300. Alternatively, thematerial-interacting device 1060 may be translatable from a firstposition (in which the material-interacting device 1060 is shown insolid lines) to a second position (in which the material-interactingdevice 1060 is shown in broken lines). Alternatively, multiplematerial-interacting devices 1060 in variously selected positions may beemployed. When the translation mechanism 1040 is actuated so that theconstruction material sample 300 is rotated, the material-interactingdevice 1060 captures multiple readings of the construction materialsample 300. In this manner, one or more characteristics such as density,volume, and the like as described with reference to the apparatuses,devices, and methods described herein can be determined by thematerial-interacting device 1060.

An apparatus for measuring and determining characteristics of aconstruction material sample according to one or more embodiments isillustrated in FIG. 17 and generally designated 1710. The apparatus 1710includes a panel 1712 that is translatable about a translation mechanism1714. A light source 1716 may be provided, and multiple light sources1716 are illustrated in FIG. 17. The light source 1716 may be a lightpoint, a light line, laser source, coherent light, or a wave front. Amaterial-interacting device 1720 may be provided. Thematerial-interacting device 1720 may be provided in a fixed-relationshiprelative to a construction material 1722 provided on the panel 1712.Alternatively, the material-interacting device 1720 may be translatablefrom a first position (in which the material-interacting device 1720 isshown in solid lines) to a second position (in which thematerial-interacting device 1720 is shown in broken lines).Alternatively, multiple material-interacting devices 1720 in variouslyselected positions may be employed. When the translation mechanism 1714is actuated so that the panel 1712 is rotated, the material-interactingdevice 1720 captures multiple readings of the construction materialsamples 1722. In this manner, one or more characteristics such asdensity, volume, shape, texture, angularity, size, and the like asdescribed with reference to the apparatuses, devices, and methodsdescribed herein can be determined by the material-interacting device1720. A histogram based on these values can be obtained such that an“optical sieve” is developed.

A system for measuring and determining characteristics of a constructionmaterial sample according to one or more embodiments is illustrated inFIG. 18 and generally designated 1810. The system 1810 includes aconveyor-type assembly 1812. Conveyor assembly 1812 may beunidirectional, bi-directional, or configured for alternating betweendirectional movements. The conveyor assembly 1812 may be translated by aroller wheel assembly 1814 or any other desired apparatus. Amaterial-interacting device 1816 similar to other material-interactingdevices disclosed herein may be provided in any position relative to theconveyor assembly 1812. Additionally, more than one material-interactingdevice 1816 may be employed. A hopper system 1820 or similar device fordispensing construction material samples 1822 onto the conveyor assembly1812 may be provided. The construction material sample 1824 maytranslate with the conveyor assembly into a mixer, a cart or storage bin1824 as illustrated. The material-interacting device 1816 may beprovided in communication with a computing device 1826 for furthermanipulation of data captured by the material-interacting device 1816.The material-interacting device 1816 may determine one or morecharacteristics such as density, volume, height, thickness, angularity,size, shape, texture and the like. Material-interacting device 1816 maybe an optical scanning device, or, alternatively, an ultrasonic deviceor any other device disclosed herein. It may operate in a reflectionmode or a transmission mode, sometimes referred to as a pitch and catchmode.

The material-interacting device 1816 and computing device 1826 may beoperably configured for creating a histogram or other statisticalcompilation of the one or more determined characteristics. For example,a histogram illustrated in FIG. 19 may illustrate aggregate size as afunction of frequency as determined by the material-interacting device1816 and computing device 1826. Other characteristics may also berepresented with a histogram similar to that which is illustrated inFIG. 19.

Other ASTM and AASHTO methods and standards may also be employed.Additional methods may be found in the Asphalt Institute Soils ManualMS-10 and a publication entitled “CONVENTIONAL DENSITY TESTING” printedby the North Carolina Department of Transportation, both publications ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference. Other methods may be foundin the North Carolina Department of Transportation manual entitled“AGGREGATE BASE COUSE NUCLEAR DENSITY TESTING MANUAL” by Jim Sawyer andprinted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation publishedJun. 4, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference. Other methods may be found in the North Carolina Departmentof Transportation manual entitled “CONVENTIONAL DENSITY OPERATOR'SMANUAL” by Levi Regalado, edited by Jim Sawyer, and printed by the NorthCarolina Department of Transportation and published on Aug. 16, 2002,and revised on Oct. 11, 2004, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

Additionally, methods of determining the moisture content of a sample ofmaterial excavated from a void may be employed. For example, methods ofdetermining a moisture content are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,239,150, 7,569,810, and 7,820,960, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,239,150, 7,569,810, 7,581,446 and 7,820,960 disclosemany methods of determining a moisture content, as well as methods forpreparing soil or other material for testing, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety. Including and in additionto those patents, manners of determining a moisture content may includedirect heating, time-domain reflectometry (TDR), capacitive measurementsincluding swept frequency capacitance, microwave heating, microwaveimpedance, calcium carbide meters known as “Speedy” meters,electromagnetic methods, magnetic resonance, and ground penetratingradar (GPR) techniques.

The following examples are illustrative of processes that may beemployed with one or more apparatuses or devices disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “squeeze” method is used for obtaining an ideaof how close the soil is to optimum moisture content. The squeeze methodmay be for determining the optimum moisture of a soil mass and can beperformed by an experienced technician with acceptable accuracy. Thesqueeze method may work well with cohesive soil.

Any lumps and clods in the excavated soil material should be pulverized.The mass of soil should be mixed and fairly homogeneous. In the method,a handful of loose soil is taken in one hand of the operator and firmlysqueezed into an elongated mass. The moisture is close to optimummoisture if:

1. The mass exhibits cohesion. The soil should not break apart afterreleasing the soil from the hand after squeezing. If the soil does breakapart, the user should add a small bit of water if the test calls forobtaining optimum moisture.

2. Remains cohesive under stress. The user throws the mass of soil up inthe air 4 or 6 inches high and catches the mass on descent. If the massremains intact, the mass is close to optimum cohesiveness. If not, theuser should add water if necessary to obtain optimum moisture.3. There is coolness of the palm. The user should feel a coolness intheir palm when handling the soil, but there should be no visiblemoisture left in the user's hand upon releasing the soil.4. The penny print. During compaction using a mold compactor, if, at theend of the compaction, the ram rod should be cleaned and then struck inthe middle of the mold. If the imprint left by the ram rod is a depth ofabout 1-2 mm deep, about the thickness of a penny, then it is close tooptimum moisture. If a full print of the ram rod cannot be seen, thenthe soil is too dry.

These criteria are true even if the mass is above optimum moisture. Ifit is above optimum, a noticeable film of moisture will appear on thehand, also leaving some of the dirt behind as well. In this case, thesoil should be slowly dried in air if optimum moisture is required.

In the following examples, the density of a soil base will be measuredusing methods and one or more apparatuses described herein to opticallydetermine the volume of an excavated void in the soil, sub-base, groundand calculate the wet or dry density by weighing the excavated mass fromthe void.

Example 1

In this example, embankments and subgrades including primarily soil andnot much rock or aggregate are excavated and the volume determined. Inthis example, the moisture content is not determined for each test site.Some regulatory agencies refer to this as the “short test” as it is atime saver that assumes the soil compacted in a mold has been brought tooptimum moisture by the operator. The results are then related to theratio of the volume of soil compacted in the mold Vm to the volumeremoved in-situ or percent compaction=Vm/Vs. Since Vm water is adjustedby the operator to be at optimum water content, it is then assumed to beat maximum density after packing in the mold. Hence a ratio of 1 meansthat the embankment or subgrade is at optimum density.

1) Prepare the test site by smoothing the surface;

2) Level and secure the optical template or frame on the test site;

3) Obtain a first or “flat” reading using the one or morematerial-interacting devices disclosed herein;

4) Dig a test hole, starting off with a spoon and continuing with anauger. Soil should be collected on a soil pan;

5) When hole is finished, remove the loose soil particles from the holeand contain it in a pan;

6) Obtain a second reading using the material-interacting device;

7) The volume of the hole can be determined by the difference betweenthe second and first reading with the material-interacting device. Ifthe volume is less than 910 cm{circumflex over ( )}3, the hole is toosmall, and the user should remove additional material and repeat step 6;8) If the hole is greater than 990 cm{circumflex over ( )}3, the hole istoo large, the user should move to a different location and start over;9) Clean off excess soil from the auger and spoon and include in thesoil pan;10) Mix the soil until it has a uniform water content;11) Check for optimum moisture using any experienced method such as thesqueeze method;12) Dry or add water as needed;13) Move the soil to one side of the pan and divide into three equallayers;14) Place first layer into a mold and apply compactive effort of 25blows, checking to make sure the soil is compacting as expected assumingoptimum moisture conditions;15) Place the second layer in the mold including any rocks that wereremoved from the hole, and then apply compactive effort;16) Place the 3^(rd) layer in the mold and apply compactive effort.After the 16^(th) blow, scrape any soil sticking to the ram rod and fromthe inside wall of the mold above the soil layer and apply the remainingblows;17) Using the mold template for the material-interacting device, placethe material-interacting device on the mold and obtain a reading of thevolume of space above the soil in the mold;18) The difference between the volume of the empty mold with a moldtemplate and the soil filled material-interacting device mold-templatevolume is the volume of the soil occupying the mold; and19) Determine the percent compaction by dividing the volume of soilcompacted in the mold (step 18) by the volume of the hole (step 7) times100.

Example 2

Sometimes the following test is referred to as the “long test” as itrequires precise moisture measurements for each hole. In preparation,all loose soil in a 15 inch by 15 inch square is removed from thesurface of the road and is brought to a smooth, flat, approximatelylevel area by scraping with a steel straight edge or other suitabletool. A template for the material-interacting device is secured over thearea and the material-interacting device is placed on the template andan initial pre-hole measurement of volume is obtained. Thematerial-interacting device is removed and a hole is dug in the centerof the template approximately 4 to 6 inches deep. The removed soil isplaced in a container for weighing and determining moisture content byany gravimetric, thermal, suction, instrumented, electromagnetic,microwave, or chemical method. It is important that all of the soilremoved is placed in the container as this is the mass related to thevolume measurement. Once the hole is dug, the material-interactingdevice is placed again on the template and a new measurement of the voidis obtained. The difference between the second material-interactingdevice and the first material-interacting device measurement is thevolume of the hole. The volume of the hole should be no less than 780cm{circumflex over ( )}3.

The soil that is removed from the void is weighed and the moisturecontent is determined by any appropriate method. Non-nuclear methods arepreferred, however, any approved method is acceptable. Once the dryweight of the soil is determined, and the volume of the void is knownthe dry density in-situ can be calculated.Wet Density (mass/volume)=Wet weight/Volume% M=(Wet wt.−Dry wt.)/Dry wt.×100Dry Density=Wet Density/(100+Moisture content %)×1001) Level the electronic scale;2) Verify a 2 Kg weight is within 1 gram tolerance on the scale;3) Weigh empty mold and record;4) Prepare the test site by smoothing the surface;5) Level and secure the template on the test site;6) Obtain a first or “flat” reading using the optical hole reader(material-interacting device);7) Dig a test hole, starting off with a spoon and continuing with anauger. Soil should be collected on a soil pan;8) When hole is finished, remove the loose soil particles from the holeand include them in the pan;9) Obtain a second reading using the material-interacting device;10) The difference between the second and first reading with thematerial-interacting device is the volume of the hole. If the volume isless than 780 cm{circumflex over ( )}3, the hole is too small, removeadditional material and repeat step 6;11) Clean off excess soil from the auger and spoon and include in thesoil pan;12) Place soil in drying pan, record weight of wet soil;13) Mix soil until it has a uniform water content;14) Dry the soil. When using a burner, be sure not to overheat the soil.When using a microwave oven, follow ASTM D 4643;15) Weigh dry soil and record weight;16) Record dry density in-situ from steps 15 and 10;17) Remove additional soil from the hole and place in soil pan;18) Break up and pulverize the soil;19) Check for optimum moisture using the squeeze method;20) Dry or add water to the soil as necessary, and mix for uniform watercontent. Repeat steps 18-19 until optimum moisture content is obtained;21) Move the soil to one side of the pan and divide into three equallayers;22) Place first later into a Proctor mold and apply compactive effort of25 blows; check to make sure soil is compacting as expected assumingoptimum moisture;23) Place the second layer in the mold including any rocks that wereremoved from the hole, apply compactive effort;24) Place the 3^(rd) layer in the mold and apply compactive effort.After the 16^(th) blow, scrape any soil sticking to the rammer and fromthe inside wall of the mold above the soil layer and apply the remainingblows;25) Scribe around the top (3^(rd)) layer and then remove the moldcollar;26) The top of the 3^(rd) layer should be ¼ to ½ inch above the top ofthe mold;27) Scrape off excess soil with the straight edge until the surface isflush with the top of the mold;28) Weigh the mold with the soil and record the weight. Subtract out theweight of the mold;29) Extract the soil pill from the mold;30) Using the straight edge, split the soil pill down the middlelengthwise;31) Obtain 300 g of soil by shaving the middle of the split pill fromthe top to bottom;32) Dry the 300 g of soil, using a thermal method, find the watercontent; and33) Obtain dry density with steps 32, 28 and the known volume of themold.Percent compaction=Dry Density of soil in-situ (step 16) divided by DryDensity of the soil compacted in mold (step 33)×100

Example 3

This test is used to calculate the degree of compaction of embankmentsand subgrades or soil bases that contain 33% aggregate, or have beenstabilized by an admixture of aggregate material. This method uses asteel ring 18 inches OD and 4.5 to 9 inches deep.

The steel ring is placed over the area to be tested and the materialwithin the ring is carefully loosened with a pick and removed with ascoop. The material removed is placed in the bucket for weighing. As thematerial is removed, the ring is lowered to the full depth of the layerby lightly tapping the top of the ring with a wooden mallet or similarobject. After all the material has been removed, the ring is removed andthe volume of the void is measured using optical methods.

1) Level the electronic scale;

2) Verify a 2 Kg weight is within 1 gram tolerance on the scale;

3) Tare a bucket;

4) Prepare the test site by smoothing the surface;

5) Level and secure the template on the test site;

6) Obtain a first or “flat” reading using the optical hole reader(material-interacting device);

7) Place the sampling ring on the surface to be tested within the areaof the template;

8) Using a pick, loosen the material on the surface within the ring;

9) Remove the material and place in the bucket tapping the ring into thevoid as you go;

10) When hole is finished, remove the loose soil particles from the holeand include them in the bucket;

11) Weigh the material and record;

12) Remove the ring and obtain a second reading using thematerial-interacting device. (Alternatively, the measurement could bedone with the ring in place). Volume can be calculated from the depth ofthe ring with it in place, or by the volume of the cylindrical ring withit removed;13) The difference between the second and first reading with thematerial-interacting device is the volume of the void;14) Find the density using 13 and 11;15) Dump the material on the ground;16) Quarter down the material and remix, do this twice. Purpose is toobtain a representative sample;17) Place 1000 g of soil in drying pan, record weight of wet soil;18) Dry the soil. When using a burner, be sure not to overheat the soil.When using a microwave oven, follow ASTM D 4643;19) Weigh dry soil and record weight;20) Record dry density in-situ from steps 19 and 13;21) Obtain material from the quartered section and place in a soil panuntil about ⅔ full;22) Check for optimum moisture using the “squeeze” method;23) Dry or add water to the soil as necessary, and mix for uniform watercontent. Repeat steps 22-23 until optimum moisture content is obtained;24) Move the soil to one side of the pan and divide into three equallayers;25) Place first layer into the large mold and apply compactive effort of56 blows; check to make sure soil is compacting as expected assumingoptimum moisture. (Note, a 3/40 ft{circumflex over ( )}3 or 2123 cc moldshould be used);26) Place the second layer in the mold including any rocks that wereremoved from the hole, apply compactive effort;27) Place the 3^(rd) layer in the mold and apply compactive effort.After the 35^(th) blow, scrape any soil sticking to the rammer and fromthe inside wall of the mold above the soil layer and apply the remainingblows;28) Scribe around the top (3^(rd)) layer and then remove the moldcollar;29) The top of the 3^(rd) layer should be ¼ to ½ inch above the top ofthe mold;30) Scrape off excess soil with the straight edge until the surface isflush with the top of the mold;31) Weigh the mold with the soil and record the weight. Obtain the soilweight not including the mold;32) Extract the soil pill from the mold;33) Using the straight edge, split the soil pill down the middlelengthwise;34) Obtain 1000 g of soil by shaving the middle of the split pill fromthe top to bottom;35) Dry the soil, using a thermal method, find the water content;36) Weigh the dry soil and record; and37) Obtain dry density with steps 31, 35 and the known volume of themold.Percent compaction=Dry Density of soil in-situ (step 14) divided by DryDensity of the soil compacted in mold (step 36)×100

Example 4

The following test is used to calculate the degree of compaction ofembankments and subgrades or having a high degree of compaction;otherwise known as Coarse aggregate base course. This method uses asteel ring having an outer diameter of 18 inches and 4.5 to 9 inchesdeep.

The steel ring is placed over the area to be tested and the base coarsematerial within the ring is carefully loosened with a pick and removedwith a scoop. The material removed is placed in the bucket for weighing.As the material is removed, the ring is lowered to the full depth of thelayer by lightly tapping the top of the ring with a wooden mallet orsimilar object. After all the material has been removed, the ring isremoved and the volume of the void is measured using optical methods.

1) Level the electronic scale;

2) Verify a 2 Kg weight is within 1 gram tolerance on the scale;

3) Tare a bucket;

4) Prepare the test site by smoothing the surface;

5) Level and secure the template on the test site;

6) Obtain a first or “flat” reading using the optical hole reader(material-interacting device). (Note, other methods equivalent may notrequire a first reading);

7) Place the sampling ring on the surface to be tested within the areaof the template;

8) Using a pick, loosen the material on the surface within the ring;

9) Remove the material and place in the bucket tapping the ring into thevoid as you go;

10) When hole is finished, remove the loose soil particles from the holeand include them in the bucket;

11) Weigh the material minus the bucket and record;

12) Remove the ring and obtain a second reading using thematerial-interacting device. (Alternatively, the measurement could bedone with the ring in place). Volume can be calculated from the depth ofthe ring with it in place, or by the volume of the cylindrical ring withit removed;13) The difference between the second and first reading with thematerial-interacting device is the volume of the void;14) Find the wet density using 13 and 11;15) Dump the material on the ground;16) Quarter down the material and remix, do this twice. Purpose is toobtain a representative sample;17) Place 1000 g of soil in drying pan, record weight of wet soil;18) Dry the soil. When using a burner, be sure not to overheat the soil.When using a microwave oven, follow ASTM D 4643;19) Weigh dry soil and record weight; and20) Record dry density in-situ from steps 19 and 14.

Example 5: General Use

All of the above examples used some sort of Proctor mold for %Compaction comparisons. Note that in general, the density of a subbasecould be determined simply by removing the soil with a tool, scanningand determining the volume of the hole, and weighing the soil anddetermining the density. Further determining the moisture content allowsfor the dry density of the soil to be found.

1) Level the electronic scale;

2) Verify a 2 Kg weight is within 1 gram tolerance on the scale;

3) Weigh empty mold and record;

4) Prepare the test site by smoothing the surface;

5) Level and secure the template on the test site;

6) Obtain a first or “flat” reading using the optical hole reader(material-interacting device);

7) Dig a test hole, starting off with a spoon and continuing with anauger. Soil should be collected on a soil pan;

8) When hole is finished, remove the loose soil particles from the holeand include them in the pan;

9) Obtain a second reading using the material-interacting device;

10) The difference between the second and first reading with thematerial-interacting device is the volume of the hole;

11) Clean off excess soil from the auger and spoon and include in thesoil pan;

12) Place soil in drying pan, record weight of wet soil;

13) Mix soil until it has a uniform water content;

14) Dry the soil. When using a burner, be sure not to overheat the soil.When using a microwave oven, follow ASTM D 4643;

15) Weigh dry soil and record weight; and

16) Record dry density in-situ from steps 15 and 10.

In one or more embodiments, the material-interacting device 812 may alsouse confocal scanning. In a confocal laser scanning microscope, a laserbeam passes through a light source aperture and then is focused by anobjective lens into a small (ideally diffraction limited) focal volumewithin or on the surface of a specimen. In biological applicationsespecially, the specimen may be fluorescent. Scattered and reflectedlaser light as well as any fluorescent light from the illuminated spotis then re-collected by the objective lens. A beam splitter separatesoff some portion of the light into the detection apparatus, which influorescence confocal microscopy will also have a filter thatselectively passes the fluorescent wavelengths while blocking theoriginal excitation wavelength. After passing a pinhole, the lightintensity is detected by a photodetection device (usually aphotomultiplier tube (PMT) or avalanche photodiode), transforming thelight signal into an electrical one that is recorded by a computer.

The detector aperture obstructs the light that is not coming from thefocal point. The out-of-focus light is suppressed: most of the returninglight is blocked by the pinhole, which results in sharper images thanthose from conventional fluorescence microscopy techniques and permitsone to obtain images of planes at various depths within the sample (setsof such images are also known as z stacks).

The detected light originating from an illuminated volume element withinthe specimen represents one pixel in the resulting image. As the laserscans over the plane of interest, a whole image is obtainedpixel-by-pixel and line-by-line, whereas the brightness of a resultingimage pixel corresponds to the relative intensity of detected light. Thebeam is scanned across the sample in the horizontal plane by using oneor more (servo controlled) oscillating mirrors. This scanning methodusually has a low reaction latency and the scan speed can be varied.Slower scans provide a better signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in bettercontrast and higher resolution. Information can be collected fromdifferent focal planes by raising or lowering the microscope stage orobjective lens. The computer can generate a three-dimensional picture ofa specimen by assembling a stack of these two-dimensional images fromsuccessive focal planes.

Additionally, the material-interacting device 812 may be a range imagedevice. The sensor device which is used for producing the range image issometimes referred to as a range camera. Range cameras can operateaccording to a number of different techniques, some of which arepresented here.

Stereo Triangulation

A stereo camera system can be used for determining the depth to pointsin the scene, for example, from the center point of the line betweentheir focal points. In order to solve the depth measurement problemusing a stereo camera system, it is necessary to first findcorresponding points in the different images. Solving the correspondenceproblem is one of the main problems when using this type of technique.For instance, it is difficult to solve the correspondence problem forimage points which lie inside regions of homogeneous intensity or color.As a consequence, range imaging based on stereo triangulation canusually produce reliable depth estimates only for a subset of all pointsvisible in the multiple cameras. The correspondence problem is minimizedin a plenoptic camera design, though depth resolution is limited by thesize of the aperture, making it better suited for close-rangeapplications.

The advantage of this technique is that the measurement is more or lesspassive; it does not require special conditions in terms of sceneillumination. The other techniques mentioned here do not have to solvethe correspondence problem but are instead dependent on particular sceneillumination conditions.

Sheet of Light Triangulation

If the scene is illuminated with a sheet of light this creates areflected line as seen from the light source. From any point out of theplane of the sheet, the line will typically appear as a curve, the exactshape of which depends both on the distance between the observer and thelight source and the distance between the light source and the reflectedpoints. By observing the reflected sheet of light using a camera (oftena high resolution camera) and knowing the positions and orientations ofboth camera and light source, it is possible to determine the distancesbetween the reflected points and the light source or camera.

By moving either the light source (and normally also the camera) or thescene in front of the camera, a sequence of depth profiles of the scenecan be generated. These can be represented as a 2D range image.

Structured Light-3D Scanner

By illuminating the scene with a specially designed light pattern,structured light, depth can be determined using only a single image ofthe reflected light. The structured light can be in the form ofhorizontal and vertical lines, points, or checker board patterns.

Time-of-Flight

The depth can also be measured using the standard time-of-flighttechnique, more or less similar to radar or LIDAR, where a light pulseis used instead of an RF pulse. For example, a scanning laser, such as arotating laser head, can be used to obtain a depth profile for pointswhich lie in the scanning plane. This approach also produces a type ofrange image, similar to a radar image. Time-of-flight cameras arerelatively new devices that capture a whole scene in three dimensionswith a dedicated image sensor and therefore have no need for movingparts.

Interferometry

By illuminating points with coherent light and measuring the phase shiftof the reflected light relative to the light source it is possible todetermine depth, at least up to modulo the wavelength of the light.Under the assumption that the true range image is a more or lesscontinuous function of the image coordinates, the correct depth can beobtained using a technique called phase-unwrapping.

By illuminating points with coherent light and measuring the phase shiftof the reflected light relative to the light source it is possible todetermine depth, at least up to modulo the wavelength of the light.Under the assumption that the true range image is a more or lesscontinuous function of the image coordinates, the correct depth can beobtained using a technique called phase-unwrapping. In general,wavelength measurements are not useful for measurement on the order ofthe dimensions of an excavation. Wavelength dimensional methods areconcerned with objects in the nearfield and cm type dimensions do notneed that kind of accuracy or significant digits. However, if some kindof mineralogical composition or petrologic study was of interest, Thismight be implemented by focusing down a few centimeters, and thenincorporating the interferometer techniques incorporating both farfieldand nearfield objectives. For example, a characteristic might be 2.546mm+0.5 lambda away from the reference.

Coded Aperture

Depth information may be partially or wholly inferred alongsideintensity through reverse convolution of an image captured with aspecially designed coded aperture pattern with a specific complexarrangement of holes through which the incoming light is either allowedthrough or blocked. The complex shape of the aperture creates anon-uniform blurring of the image for those parts of the scene not atthe focal plane of the lens. Since the aperture design pattern is known,correct mathematical deconvolution taking account of this can identifywhere and by what degree the scene has become convoluted by out of focuslight selectively falling on the capture surface, and reverse theprocess. Thus the blur-free scene may be retrieved and the extent ofbluring across the scene is related to the displacement from the focalplane, which may be used to infer the depth. Since the depth for a pointis inferred from its extent of blurring caused by the light spreadingfrom the corresponding point in the scene arriving across the entiresurface of the aperture and distorting according to this spread, this isa complex form of stereo triangulation. Each point in the image iseffectively spatially sampled across the width of the aperture.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a locating and trackingdevice may be employed within a system utilizing an apparatus, method,or system disclosed herein. Such a system is disclosed in US PatentPublication No. 20110066398, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Such a system may record information such asProject number, county, GPS location, data, test site name, first andsecond optical measurements, mold and mold collar volumes and serialnumbers, weights, moisture contents, wet density, dry density, %compaction, Engineer, Inspector. A fully automated system could recordresults in a spread sheet.

The mass determining device could be in communication with a computerand the computer in communication with the optical system. Step by stepprocedures for the operator could be displayed on a display panel in oneor more embodiments.

Various techniques described herein may be implemented with hardware orsoftware or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, themethods and apparatus of the disclosed embodiments, or certain aspectsor portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., executableinstructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium,wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine,such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing thepresently disclosed subject matter. In the case of program codeexecution on programmable computers, the computer will generally includea processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (includingvolatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least oneinput device and at least one output device. One or more programs arepreferably implemented in a high level procedural or object orientedprogramming language to communicate with a computer system. However, theprogram(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, ifdesired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpretedlanguage, and combined with hardware implementations.

The described methods and apparatus may also be embodied in the form ofprogram code that is transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via anyother form of transmission, wherein, when the program code is receivedand loaded into and executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, a gatearray, a programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, a videorecorder or the like, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicingthe presently disclosed subject matter. When implemented on ageneral-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processorto provide a unique apparatus that operates to perform the processing ofthe presently disclosed subject matter.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter disclosedherein is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one opticalscanning device comprising an emitter and a detector, the opticalscanning device configured to optically scan, by the emitter, a voidexcavated in a construction material, and capture, by the detector, atleast one dimensional measurement of the void; and a computer deviceexecuting software, whereby the computer device is configured to:determine, using the at least one dimensional measurement from theoptical scanning device, a volume of the void; receive, as an input oras a signal from a mass measuring device, a mass measurement of a massof construction material excavated from the void to form the void priorto the optical scanning device scanning the void; determine moisturecontent of the construction material; and determine a material qualitycharacteristic of the construction material based on at least two of thevolume of the void, the mass measurement of the construction materialexcavated to form the void, and the moisture content of the constructionmaterial.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to interactwith the construction material for determining the one or moremeasurements thereof, wherein the construction material is at least oneof soil, subbase, asphalt, aggregate, concrete, cement or roadconstruction and pavement materials.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the optical scanning device is configured: to be placed in thevoid; to interact with a surface of the void without being placed in thevoid; or both.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical scanningdevice obtains images and is translatable between a first position and asecond position spaced-apart from the void.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the optical scanning device is configured to capture a pluralityof the measurements, wherein the plurality of the measurements arecaptured when the optical scanning device is at more than one relativeposition.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mass measuring devicedetermines a density of the construction material while in situ.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the density is a wet density.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a non-nuclear moisturemeasuring device in communication therewith for determining a moisturecontent of the construction material while in situ.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, whereby the non-nuclear moisture measuring device and theoptical scanning device are in communication with the computer devicefor determining a dry density of the construction material.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical scanning device is configuredto determine a moisture characteristic of the construction materialusing infrared (IR) measurements, time-domain reflectometry (TDR),capacitance, impedance, electromagnetic, magnetic resonance, directheating, microwave heating, volumetric, chemical and gravimetrictechniques.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical scanningdevice comprises at least one of an optical projector and a receiverconfigured to determine a dimensional characteristic of the void usingat least one of structured light, range finder, confocal scanning,stereo-vision, 3D profiling, scanners, cameras, photographicmethodology, point cloud, triangulation, stereo triangulation, lightsheet triangulation, time of flight, lidar, and coded aperture.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein determining the material qualitycharacteristic of the construction material is accomplished usingsoftware and image processing procedures executed on the computerdevice.
 13. An apparatus comprising: at least one optical deviceconfigured to illuminate, by emitting photons, a void excavated in aconstruction material, and capture at least one dimensional measurementof the void, by detecting photons; a computer device executing software,whereby the computer device is configured to: determine, based at leastin part on the at least one dimensional measurement from the opticaldevice, a volumetric characteristic of the void; determine, using atleast one of a mass measuring device and the determined volumetriccharacteristic, a mass of construction material excavated from the voidto form the void prior to the optical device illuminating the void;determine a material quality characteristic of the construction materialprior to excavation of the void based on the determined volumetriccharacteristic of the void and the determined mass of the excavatedconstruction material; and a template for engaging construction materialand guiding the excavation of the construction material from the void toform the void.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the optical deviceis configured to capture a plurality of measurements, wherein themeasurements are captured when the optical device is at more than onerelative position with respect to the void.
 15. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the optical device obtains images translatable between afirst position and a second position spaced-apart from the void.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the computer device is configured tocalculate a wet density of the construction material in situ bymanipulating the volumetric characteristic of the void and the mass ofthe excavated construction material.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13,further comprising a mass measuring device in communication therewithfor determining a wet density of the excavated construction materialwhile in situ.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising anon-nuclear moisture measuring device in communication therewith fordetermining a moisture content of the construction material while insitu.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the non-nuclear moisturemeasuring device and the optical device are in communication with thecomputer device for determining a dry density of the constructionmaterial.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the optical device isconfigured to determine a moisture characteristic of the excavatedconstruction material using infrared (IR) measurements, time-domainreflectometry (TDR), capacitance, impedance, electromagnetic, magneticresonance, direct heating, microwave heating, volumetric, chemical andgravimetric techniques, or combinations thereof.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one optical device comprises at least oneof an optical projector or receiver configured to determine adimensional characteristic of the void using structured light, rangefinder, confocal scanning, stereo-vision, 3D profiling, scanners,cameras, photographic methodology, point cloud, triangulation, stereotriangulation, light sheet triangulation, time of flight, lidar, codedaperture, or combinations thereof.
 22. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the material quality characteristic of the construction materialis determined using software and image processing procedures executed onthe computer device.
 23. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the templateis configured for guiding the excavation and referencing an imaging ofthe void.
 24. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the material qualitycharacteristic comprises at least one of: material density; specificgravity; void content; void ratio; homogeneity; compaction; aggregategradation; and uniformity.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thematerial quality characteristic comprises at least one of: materialdensity; specific gravity; void content; void ratio; homogeneity;compaction; aggregate gradation; and uniformity.